CSI Writing Clear Specifications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which imperative voice construction is preferred in CSI specification writing?
- The contractor shall install (Correct answer)
- Installation shall be performed
- It is required that installation occur
- Installing is required of the contractor
Correct answer: The contractor shall install
Active imperative constructions like 'the contractor shall install' assign clear responsibility and avoid ambiguity.
Question 2: In specification writing, the word 'should' versus 'shall' indicates:
- A recommendation versus a mandatory requirement (Correct answer)
- A legal obligation versus a suggestion
- A contractor duty versus an owner duty
- Future work versus current work
Correct answer: A recommendation versus a mandatory requirement
'Shall' indicates a mandatory requirement, while 'should' indicates a recommendation or preferred practice.
Question 3: What is the purpose of a 'Part 1 – General' section in a CSI MasterFormat Section?
- To define scope, references, submittals, and administrative requirements (Correct answer)
- To list all materials and products to be used
- To describe installation methods and execution
- To provide warranty and maintenance information
Correct answer: To define scope, references, submittals, and administrative requirements
Part 1 covers administrative and procedural requirements including scope, references, quality assurance, and submittals.
Question 4: Which of the following best describes a 'closed' specification?
- A specification that allows no substitutions and names a single product (Correct answer)
- A specification open to any compliant product
- A specification that references only ASTM standards
- A specification sealed by a licensed engineer
Correct answer: A specification that allows no substitutions and names a single product
A closed specification names a proprietary product with no substitutions allowed, limiting contractor choice.
Question 5: When editing specifications for clarity, redundant phrases should be eliminated. Which phrase is redundant?
- 'Completely and thoroughly clean' (Correct answer)
- 'Submit shop drawings'
- 'Install per manufacturer's instructions'
- 'Provide and deliver materials'
Correct answer: 'Completely and thoroughly clean'
'Completely and thoroughly' are synonymous; one word suffices and eliminates unnecessary redundancy.
Question 6: In the context of specification writing, 'reference standards' serve what primary purpose?
- To establish minimum acceptable quality without restating detailed technical criteria (Correct answer)
- To define the project scope and budget constraints
- To identify the prime contractor's responsibilities
- To list all subcontractors approved for the project
Correct answer: To establish minimum acceptable quality without restating detailed technical criteria
Reference standards incorporate industry-accepted criteria by reference, avoiding the need to restate complex technical requirements.
Question 7: Which specification style lists performance requirements and allows manufacturers to demonstrate compliance through testing?
- Performance specification (Correct answer)
- Prescriptive specification
- Proprietary specification
- Reference specification
Correct answer: Performance specification
Performance specifications define required end results and allow any product that meets those measurable criteria.
CSI Writing Clear Specifications 2
Which imperative voice construction is preferred in CSI specification writing?